Mechanical link with preload verification

ABSTRACT

A mechanical link comprises a shaft having a central axis, a first end portion threaded in a first direction, and a second end portion threaded in an opposite second direction. A first mounting interface and second mounting interface are respectively coupled with the first end portion and second end portion. A tubular sleeve circumscribes a portion of the shaft and comprises a slot. A pin extends from the shaft and passes through the slot. A stop is coupled with the second end portion and fixed to the shaft. A washer circumscribes a portion of the shaft between the tubular sleeve and the stop. A spring biases the tubular sleeve toward the stop. A first jam nut is coupled with the first end portion between the first mounting interface and the spring. A second jam nut is coupled with the second end portion between the second mounting interface and the stop.

BACKGROUND

Various mechanisms require preload in one or more of their kinematicstates to operate properly as the mechanisms deflect under fluctuatingloading. For example, in aircraft landing-gear mechanisms, mechanicallinkages are furnished to provide the specified preload. However,landing-gear-mechanism preload values may change during exploitation ofthe aircraft. Currently, complicated and expensive equipment is requiredfor measuring such preload in situ. Additionally, the mechanicallinkage(s) must be removed from the landing-gear mechanism if preloadadjustment is necessary, increasing maintenance costs and service time.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, apparatuses and methods, intended to address at least theabove-identified concerns, would find utility.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may notbe claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.

Disclosed herein is a mechanical link. The mechanical link comprises ashaft, having a central axis and comprising a first end portion that isthreaded in a first direction and a second end portion, opposing thefirst end portion along the central axis and threaded in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction. The mechanical link furthercomprises a first mounting interface, threadably coupled with the firstend portion of the shaft. The mechanical link also comprises a secondmounting interface, threadably coupled with the second end portion ofthe shaft. The mechanical link additionally comprises a tubular sleeve,circumscribing a portion of the shaft between the first end portion andthe second end portion and comprising a slot. The mechanical link alsocomprises a pin, extending from the shaft in a direction, perpendicularto the central axis, such that the pin passes through the slot of thetubular sleeve. The mechanical link further comprises a stop, threadablycoupled with the second end portion of the shaft and fixed to the shaftat a predetermined location along the second end portion of the shaft,such that the stop is not rotatable relative to the shaft. Themechanical link additionally comprises a washer, circumscribing aportion of the shaft between the tubular sleeve and the stop. Themechanical link also comprises a spring, positioned between the firstmounting interface and the tubular sleeve and biasing the tubular sleevetoward the stop. The mechanical link further comprises a first jam nut,threadably coupled with the first end portion of the shaft and locatedbetween the first mounting interface and the spring. The mechanical linkalso comprises a second jam nut, threadably coupled with the second endportion of the shaft and located between the second mounting interfaceand the stop.

The mechanical link as set forth above allows for preloading anassociated mechanism to a desired preload level and for facilitatingsimple periodic inspections of the mechanism to ensure presence of therequired preload as the mechanism is subjected to continued use. Themechanical link provides a purely mechanical system that allows theassociated mechanism to be rigged to a pre-determined preload levelwithout specialized electronic equipment. The mechanical link allows amaintenance technician to easily and quickly check the mechanism todetermine if the proper preload is being maintained in the mechanism.The mechanical link as set forth above allows for simple periodicwalk-up inspections to determine if the associated mechanism has lostits preload.

Also disclosed herein is an aircraft landing gear. The aircraft landinggear comprises a mechanical link. The mechanical link comprises a shaft,having a central axis and comprising a first end portion that isthreaded in a first direction and a second end portion, opposing thefirst end portion along the central axis and threaded in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction. The mechanical link furthercomprises a first mounting interface, threadably coupled with the firstend portion of the shaft. The mechanical link also comprises a secondmounting interface, threadably coupled with the second end portion ofthe shaft. The mechanical link additionally comprises a tubular sleeve,circumscribing a portion of the shaft between the first end portion andthe second end portion and comprising a slot. The mechanical linkfurther comprises a pin, extending from the shaft in a direction,perpendicular to the central axis, such that the pin passes through theslot of the tubular sleeve. The mechanical link also comprises a stop,threadably coupled with the second end portion of the shaft and fixed tothe shaft at a predetermined location along the second end portion ofthe shaft, such that the stop is not rotatable relative to the shaft.The mechanical link additionally comprises a washer, circumscribing aportion of the shaft between the tubular sleeve and the stop. Themechanical link further comprises a spring, positioned between the firstmounting interface and the tubular sleeve and biasing the tubular sleevetoward the stop. The mechanical link also comprises a first jam nut,threadably coupled with the first end portion of the shaft and locatedbetween the first mounting interface and the spring. The mechanical linkadditionally comprises a second jam nut, threadably coupled with thesecond end portion of the shaft and located between the second mountinginterface and the stop.

The aircraft landing gear, including the mechanical link as set forthabove, allows for preloading the aircraft landing gear to a desiredpreload level, and for facilitating simple periodic inspections of theaircraft landing gear to ensure presence of the required preload as theaircraft landing gear is subjected to continued use. The mechanical linkprovides a purely mechanical system that allows the associated aircraftlanding gear to be rigged to a pre-determined preload level withoutspecialized electronic equipment. The mechanical link allows amaintenance technician to easily and quickly check the aircraft landinggear to determine if the proper preload is being maintained in theaircraft landing gear. The mechanical link as set forth above allows forsimple periodic walk-up inspections to determine if the associatedaircraft landing gear has lost its preload.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described examples of the present disclosure in generalterms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like referencecharacters designate the same or similar parts throughout the severalviews, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mechanical link, according to one or moreexamples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the mechanical link of FIG. 1,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of the mechanical link of FIG. 2,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is another schematic representation of the mechanical link ofFIG. 2, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is another schematic representation of the mechanical link ofFIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a detail of the mechanical linkof FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic end view of the tubular sleeve of FIG. 4,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is another schematic representation of a detail of the mechanicallink of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of various configurations for themounting interfaces of the mechanical link of FIG. 1, according to oneor more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, side elevation view of an aircraft landing gearthat comprises the mechanical link of FIG. 1, according to one or moreexamples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of aircraft production and servicemethodology; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, referred to above, solid lines, if any, connecting variouselements and/or components may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid,optical, electromagnetic, and other couplings and/or combinationsthereof. As used herein, “coupled” means associated directly as well asindirectly. For example, a member A may be directly associated with amember B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via anothermember C. It will be understood that not all relationships among thevarious disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly,couplings other than those depicted in the block diagrams may alsoexist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting blocks designating the variouselements and/or components represent couplings similar in function andpurpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplingsrepresented by the dashed lines may either be selectively provided ormay relate to alternative examples of the present disclosure. Likewise,elements and/or components, if any, represented with dashed lines,indicate alternative examples of the present disclosure. One or moreelements shown in solid and/or dashed lines may be omitted from aparticular example without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dottedlines. Virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown for clarity. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that some of the features illustratedin FIG. 1 may be combined in various ways without the need to includeother features described in FIG. 1, other drawing figures, and/or theaccompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinationsare not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional featuresnot limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or allof the features shown and described herein.

In FIG. 10, referred to above, the blocks may represent operationsand/or portions thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do notimply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portionsthereof. Blocks represented by dashed lines indicate alternativeoperations and/or portions thereof. Dashed lines, if any, connecting thevarious blocks represent alternative dependencies of the operations orportions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies amongthe various disclosed operations are necessarily represented. FIG. 10and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of themethod(s) set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarilydetermining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed.Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to beunderstood that the sequence of the operations may be modified whenappropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in adifferent order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in theart will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may bepracticed without some or all of these particulars. In other instances,details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will bedescribed in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understoodthat these examples are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does notrequire or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbereditem, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Reference herein to “one example” means that one or more feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example isincluded in at least one implementation. The phrase “one example” invarious places in the specification may or may not be referring to thesame example.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element,component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function isindeed capable of performing the specified function without anyalteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specifiedfunction after further modification. In other words, the system,apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected,created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for thepurpose of performing the specified function. As used herein,“configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus,structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable thesystem, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardwareto perform the specified function without further modification. Forpurposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article,element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to”perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively bedescribed as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” performthat function.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may or may not be claimed,of the subject matter according the present disclosure are providedbelow.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,mechanical link 100 is disclosed. Mechanical link 100 comprises shaft102, having central axis 128 and comprising first end portion 104 thatis threaded in a first direction and second end portion 106, opposingfirst end portion 104 along central axis 128 and threaded in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction. Mechanical link 100 furthercomprises first mounting interface 108, threadably coupled with firstend portion 104 of shaft 102. Mechanical link 100 also comprises secondmounting interface 110, threadably coupled with second end portion 106of shaft 102. Mechanical link 100 additionally comprises tubular sleeve114, circumscribing a portion of shaft 102 between first end portion 104and second end portion 106 and comprising slot 116. Mechanical link 100further comprises pin 112, extending from shaft 102 in a direction,perpendicular to central axis 128, such that pin 112 passes through slot116 of tubular sleeve 114. Mechanical link 100 also comprises stop 124,threadably coupled with second end portion 106 of shaft 102 and fixed toshaft 102 at a predetermined location along second end portion 106 ofshaft 102, such that stop 124 is not rotatable relative to shaft 102.Mechanical link 100 additionally comprises washer 126, circumscribing aportion of shaft 102 between tubular sleeve 114 and stop 124. Mechanicallink 100 further comprises spring 122, positioned between first mountinginterface 108 and tubular sleeve 114 and biasing tubular sleeve 114toward stop 124. Mechanical link 100 also comprises first jam nut 130,threadably coupled with first end portion 104 of shaft 102 and locatedbetween first mounting interface 108 and spring 122. Mechanical link 100additionally comprises second jam nut 132, threadably coupled withsecond end portion 106 of shaft 102 and located between second mountinginterface 110 and stop 124. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.

Use of mechanical link 100 as set forth above allows for preloading anassociated mechanism to a desired preload level, and for facilitatingsimple periodic inspections of the mechanism to ensure presence of therequired preload as the aircraft landing gear is subjected to continueduse. Mechanical link 100 provides a purely mechanical system that allowsthe associated mechanism to be rigged to a pre-determined preload levelwithout specialized electronic equipment. Mechanical link 100 allows amaintenance technician easily to check the mechanism and quickly todetermine if the proper preload is being maintained in the mechanism.Use of mechanical link 100 as set forth above allows for simple periodicwalk-up inspections to determine if the associated mechanism has lostits preload. Use of mechanical link 100 as set forth above allows for asimpler rigging procedure of the mechanism that does not depend on animposed displacement to determine preload.

In one or more examples, first end portion 104 of shaft 102 is threadedin a first direction, and first mounting interface 108 is threadablycoupled with first end portion 104. Second end portion 106 is threadedin a second direction, opposite the first direction, and Second mountinginterface 110 is threadably coupled with second end portion 106 of shaft102. With first end portion 104 and second end portion 106 oppositelythreaded, an overall length of shaft 102 is adjustable during rigging byrotating shaft 102 relative to both first mounting interface 108 andsecond mounting interface 110, without uninstalling mechanical link 100.When installed in the associated mechanism, adjusting the overall lengthof shaft 102 commensurately adjusts the applied preload.

In one or more examples, shaft 102 is configured to strain under preloadstress. The preload stress is a tensile or a compressive stress onmechanical link 100. In one or more examples, shaft 102 has a shape,suitable to slidably engage tubular sleeve 114. In one or more examples,shaft 102 has a circular cross-sectional shape.

Tubular sleeve 114 is configured to slidably engage shaft 102. In one ormore examples, tubular sleeve 114 has a shape, suitable to slidablyengage shaft 102. In one or more examples, tubular sleeve 114 has acircular cross-sectional shape. In one or more examples, tubular sleeve114 is configured not to strain under an applied preload stress.

Spring 122 biases tubular sleeve 114 toward stop 124. Spring 122 isconfigured to enable relative sliding movement between tubular sleeve114 and shaft 102, commensurate to the applied preload.

In one or more examples, stop 124 is configured to be adjustable alongshaft 102 during a calibration step. Stop 124 can be fixed to shaft 102at the predetermined location, corresponding to a desired preloadstress. When stop 124 is fixed to shaft 102, stop 124 is not rotatablerelative to shaft 102.

In one or more examples, third jam nut 140 secures stop 124 along shaft104 at the predetermined location. It is possible to use lock-wirebetween third jam nut 140 and stop 124 to prevent loosening of third jamnut 140 due to vibration or other operational conditions.

Washer 126 is selectively configured between different rotational statescommensurate with an applied preload stress. Depending on the preloadstress in the mechanism, in which mechanical link 100 is installed,washer 126 will experience different types of fits between tubularsleeve 114 and stop 124, when washer 126 is rotated relative to shaft102. In this manner, the applied preload stress relative to the desiredpreload stress for the mechanical link 100 is indicated by a rotationalstate of washer 126 relative to shaft 102.

Washer 126 is configured to spin freely when mechanical link 100experiences a desired preload stress. In one or more examples, washer126 experiences a free or medium fit between tubular sleeve 114 and stop124 when the applied preload stress is within desired preloadtolerances. As used herein, when washer 126 experiences a free or mediumfit, a maintenance technician is able to hand-rotate washer 126, butwasher 126 does not exhibit perceptible freeplay, wobble, or shakebetween tubular sleeve 114 and stop 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, washer 126 is configured to experienceexcessive free-play when mechanical link 100 experiences one type ofundesirable preload stress. When mechanical link 100 is in tension,excessive free-play of washer 126 indicates that the applied preloadstress is too high. Conversely, when mechanical link 100 is incompression, excessive free-play of washer 126 indicates that theapplied preload stress is too low. In one or more examples, washer 126experiences a loose fit between tubular sleeve 114 and stop 124 when theapplied preload stress is outside of desired preload tolerances. As usedherein, when washer 126 experiences a loose fit, washer 126 is freelyrotatable, and exhibits perceptible freeplay, wobble, or shake betweentubular sleeve 114 and stop 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, washer 126 is configured to be unable to spinwhen mechanical link 100 experiences another type of undesirable preloadstress. When mechanical link 100 is in tension, the inability of washer126 to spin indicates that the applied preload stress is too low.Conversely, when mechanical link 100 is in compression, the inability ofwasher 126 to spin indicates that the applied preload stress is toohigh. In one or more examples, washer 126 experiences a force fitbetween tubular sleeve 114 and stop 124 when the applied preload stressis outside of desired preload tolerances. As used herein, when washer126 experiences a force fit, either excessive resistance is felt when amaintenance technician hand-rotates washer 126, or washer 126 cannot behand-rotated by a maintenance technician.

In one or more examples, after adjusting mechanical link 100 to adesired preload, first jam nut 130 secures first mounting interface 108along shaft 104. It is possible to use lock-wire between first jam nut130 and first mounting interface 108 to prevent loosening of first jamnut 130 due to vibration or other operational conditions.

In one or more examples, after adjusting mechanical link 100 to adesired preload, Second jam nut 132 secures second mounting interface110 along shaft 104. It is possible to use lock-wire between second jamnut 132 and second mounting interface 110 to prevent loosening of secondjam nut 132 due to vibration or other operational conditions.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2, 3, and7, first mounting interface 108 comprises one of a receiver, opposingjaws, eyelet, or hook. Second mounting interface 110 comprises receiver,opposing jaws, eyelet, or hook. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1,above.

First mounting interface 108 and second mounting interface 110 enableinstallation of mechanical link 100 within a corresponding mechanism. Inone or more examples, first mounting interface 108 couples first endportion 104 of mechanical link 100 to a first body of the mechanism.Second mounting interface 110 couples first end portion 104 ofmechanical link 100 to a second body of the mechanism. In one or moreexamples, first mounting interface 108 and second mounting interface 110have various configurations that are suitable for coupling mechanicallink 100 to the various bodies of the mechanism in which mechanical link100 is installed. In one or more examples, configurations of firstmounting interface 108 and second mounting interface 110 are the same.In other examples, they are different from each other.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 to 6,tubular sleeve 114 has a clearance fit with shaft 102 along central axis128. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes thesubject matter according to example 1 or 2, above.

As used herein, a “clearance fit” is a fit between tubular sleeve 114and shaft 102 wherein the diameter of tubular sleeve 114 is greater thanthe diameter of shaft 102, enabling the two parts to slide and/or rotatewhen assembled. Clearance fit of shaft 102 within tubular sleeve 114allows for robust operation of mechanical link 100 under in-fleetconditions, where mechanical link 100 is exposed to wide temperaturevariation, corrosion effects, dust contamination, and thermal ormechanical deformations. In one or more examples, central axis 128 is acentral longitudinal axis of shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-4 and6, slot 116 of tubular sleeve 114 is parallel to central axis 128 ofshaft 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes thesubject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 3, above.

In one or more examples, slot 116 is elongate in a direction, parallelto central axis 128. When slot 116 is parallel to central axis 128,relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102 produces acorresponding relative movement of pin 112 and slot 116. In one or moreexamples, slot 116 is positioned along tubular sleeve 114 commensurateto a desired preload stress for mechanical link 100.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 to 6,tubular sleeve 114 has radial axis 208, perpendicular to central axis128 of shaft 102. Tubular sleeve 114 further comprises second slot 200,opposing slot 116 along radial axis 208. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure,wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any oneof examples 1 to 4, above.

In one or more examples, slot 116 is elongate in a direction, parallelto central axis 128. When slot 116 is parallel to central axis 128,relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102 produces acorresponding relative movement of pin 112 and slot 116. In one or moreexamples, slot 116 is positioned along tubular sleeve 114 commensurateto a desired preload stress for mechanical link 100.

In one or more examples, tubular sleeve 114 comprises more than oneslot. Second slot 200 opposing slot 116 along radial axis 208 of tubularsleeve 114 enables a maintenance technician easily to check themechanism and quickly to determine if the proper preload is beingmaintained. second slot 200 opposing slot 116 enables an easy check ofthe mechanism regardless of an installed orientation of mechanical link100 that might otherwise obscure visual inspection of a single slot.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 to 5,pin 112 has pin axis 206, perpendicular to central axis 128 of shaft102. Pin 112 further comprises first end 202 that extends from shaft 102along pin axis 206, such that first end 202 of pin 112 passes throughslot 116 of tubular sleeve 114. Pin 112 further comprises second end204, opposing first end 202 of pin 112 along pin axis 206 and extendingfrom shaft 102 along pin axis 206, such that second end 204 of pin 112passes through second slot 200 of tubular sleeve 114. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter accordingto example 5, above.

Pin 112 could be configured in various ways. In one or more examples,pin 112 partially passes through shaft 102, with only one end extendingfrom the surface of shaft 102. Alternatively, pin 112 is configured tohave opposite ends, first end 202 and second end 204, protruding fromopposite sides of shaft 102.

In one or more examples, slot 116 is elongate in a direction, parallelto central axis 128. When slot 116 is parallel to central axis 128,relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102 produces acorresponding relative movement of pin 112 and slot 116. In one or moreexamples, slot 116 is positioned along tubular sleeve 114 commensurateto a desired preload stress for mechanical link 100.

In one or more examples, the interaction between pin 112, and slot 116limits relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102. Pin112 limits travel of tubular sleeve 114 toward stop 124 with pin 112contacts an edge of slot 116. Pin 112 limits travel of tubular sleeve114 away from stop 124. The relative range of motion between shaft 102and tubular sleeve 114 is therefore controlled by varying the length ofslot 116.

When the length of slot 116 changes, the applied preload that isnecessary to change the rotational state of washer 126 correspondinglychanges as well. A larger length of slot 116 requires a larger appliedpreload before pin 112 contacts an edge of slot 116. Conversely, asmaller applied preload is required for pin 112 to contact an edge ofslot 116 that has a smaller length. In one or more examples, it isappreciated that different elongate sizes of slot 116 define differentpreload tolerances for mechanical link 100.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2, 3, 5,and 6, mechanical link 100 further comprises second pin 210 that extendsfrom shaft 102 in second direction, such that second pin 210 passesthrough second slot 200 of tubular sleeve 114. Pin 112 extends fromshaft 102 such that pin 112 passes through slot 116 of tubular sleeve114. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes thesubject matter according to example 5, above.

The pins could be configured in various ways. In one or more examples,pin 112 and second pin 210 have a shared central axis. Pin 112 andsecond pin 210 are configured to partially pass through shaft 102, withonly one end of each of pin 112 and second pin 210 protruding fromopposite sides of shaft 102.

In one or more examples, slot 116 is elongate in a direction, parallelto central axis 128. When slot 116 is parallel to central axis 128,relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102 produces acorresponding relative movement of pin 112 and slot 116. In one or moreexamples, slot 116 is positioned along tubular sleeve 114 commensurateto a desired preload stress for mechanical link 100.

In one or more examples, second slot 200 opposing slot 116 along radialaxis 208 of tubular sleeve 114 enables a maintenance technician easilyto check the mechanism and quickly to determine if the proper preload isbeing maintained. Second slot 200 opposing slot 116 enables an easycheck of the mechanism regardless of an installed orientation ofmechanical link 100 that might otherwise obscure visual inspection of asingle slot. preload.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 2,mechanical link 100 further comprises stop pin 138, fixedly couplingstop 124 to shaft 102 at the predetermined location along second endportion 106 of shaft 102, such that stop 124 is neither translatable norrotatable relative to shaft 102. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 8 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 1 to 7, above.

Stop pin 138 enables stop 124 to be fixedly coupled to shaft 102 at thepredetermined location. With stop 124 fixedly coupled to shaft 102, stop124 is maintained at the predetermined location along shaft 102,preventing inadvertent displacement of stop 124 during rigging andsubsequent operation.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 3,mechanical link 100 further comprises third jam nut 140, threadablycoupled with second end portion 106 of shaft 102 and located betweenstop 124 and second jam nut 132. Third jam nut 140 secures stop 124 toshaft 102 at the predetermined location along second end portion 106 ofshaft 102, such that stop 124 is not rotatable relative to shaft 102.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subjectmatter according to any one of examples 1 to 7, above.

Third jam nut 140 enables stop 124 to be secured to shaft 102 at thepredetermined location. With stop 124 secured to shaft 102, stop 124 ismaintained at the predetermined location along shaft 102, preventinginadvertent displacement of stop 124 during rigging and subsequentoperation.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,spring 122 biases tubular sleeve 114 toward stop 124 with biasing forceF. A first friction force between tubular sleeve 114 and washer 126 isequal to a product of a first coefficient of friction between tubularsleeve 114 and washer 126 and biasing force F. A second friction forcebetween stop 124 and washer 126 is equal to a product of a secondcoefficient of friction between stop 124 and washer 126 and biasingforce F. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includesthe subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 9, above.

Washer 126 is selectively configured between different rotational statescommensurate with an applied preload stress. Depending on the preloadstress in the mechanism and biasing force F, washer 126 will experiencedifferent types of fits between tubular sleeve 114 and stop 124, whenwasher 126 is rotated relative to shaft 102. In one or more examples,the applied preload stress relative to the desired preload stress formechanical link 100 is indicated by a rotational state of washer 126relative to shaft 102, dependent on biasing force F.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,the first friction force is different from the second friction force.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 10, above.

In one or more examples, the first friction force is different from thesecond friction force. One or more of tubular sleeve 114, washer 126,and stop 124 have different surface finishes. Alternatively, one or moreof tubular sleeve 114, washer 126, and stop 124 can be made from one ormore different materials.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,the first friction force is identical to the second friction force. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 10, above.

In one or more examples, the first friction force is identical to thesecond friction force. One or more of tubular sleeve 114, washer 126,and stop 124 have identical or similar surface finishes. Alternatively,one or more of tubular sleeve 114, washer 126, and stop 124 are madefrom one or more identical or similar materials.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,shaft 102 further comprises cavity 136, perpendicular to central axis128. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includesthe subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 12, above.

When shaft 102 further comprises cavity 136, a maintenance technician isbetter able to rotate shaft 102 relative to both first mountinginterface 108 and second mounting interface 110 during rigging, therebyadjusting an overall length of shaft 102 as well as the applied preload,without uninstalling mechanical link 100 from the associated mechanism.In one or more examples, a tool, such as shaft-adjustment pin 134, isutilized as a lever arm in conjunction with cavity 136, enabling amaintenance technician to more easily rotate shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,cavity 136 is located in second end portion 106 of shaft 102. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 13, above.

When cavity 136 is located in second end portion 106 of shaft 102,spring 122 does not impede access to cavity 136 by a maintenancetechnician. The maintenance technician is better able to rotate shaft102 relative to both first mounting interface 108 and second mountinginterface 110 during rigging, thereby adjusting an overall length ofshaft 102 as well as the applied preload, without uninstallingmechanical link 100 from the associated mechanism.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,cavity 136 is a blind cavity. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 15 also includes the subject matter according to example 13 or14, above.

When cavity 136 is a blind cavity, a maintenance technician is be betterable to rotate shaft 102 relative to both first mounting interface 108and second mounting interface 110 during rigging. In one or moreexamples, a tool, such as shaft-adjustment pin 134, is inserted into theblind cavity and utilized as a lever arm, enabling a maintenancetechnician to more easily rotate shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,cavity 136 is a through cavity. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 16 also includes the subject matter according to example 13 or14, above.

When cavity 136 is a through cavity, a maintenance technician is betterable to rotate shaft 102 relative to both first mounting interface 108and second mounting interface 110 during rigging. In one or moreexamples, a tool, such as shaft-adjustment pin 134 is inserted throughthe through cavity and utilized as a lever arm, enabling a maintenancetechnician to more easily rotate shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,mechanical link 100 further comprises shaft-adjustment pin 134, receivedwithin cavity 136. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13 to16, above.

Shaft-adjustment pin 134 enables easier rotation of shaft 102. Amaintenance technician inserts shaft-adjustment pin 134 into cavity 136.Shaft-adjustment pin 134 is thereafter used as a lever arm inconjunction with cavity 136, enabling the maintenance technician to moreeasily rotate shaft 102, thereby adjusting an overall length of shaft102 as well as the applied preload, without uninstalling mechanical link100 from the associated mechanism.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,shaft-adjustment pin 134 is received within cavity 136 with a clearancefit. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includesthe subject matter according to example 17, above.

Receiving shaft-adjustment pin 134 within cavity 136 with a clearancefit enables easier rotation of shaft 102. A maintenance technicianremovably inserts shaft-adjustment pin 134 into cavity 136.Shaft-adjustment pin 134 is thereafter used as a lever arm inconjunction with cavity 136, enabling the maintenance technician to moreeasily rotate shaft 102, thereby adjusting an overall length of shaft102 as well as the applied preload, without uninstalling mechanical link100 from the associated mechanism.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,shaft-adjustment pin 134 is fixed within cavity 136. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matteraccording to example 17, above.

Fixing shaft-adjustment pin 134 within cavity 136 enables easierrotation of shaft 102. Shaft-adjustment pin 134 is fixed within cavity136 in any manner suitable to hinder removal of shaft-adjustment pin134. In one or more examples, shaft-adjustment pin 134 is fixed withincavity 136 via an interference fit, welding, brazing, or threading, orany other suitable manner.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,cavity 136 has a depth and shaft-adjustment pin 134 has a length that isgreater than the depth of cavity 136. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure,wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to any oneof examples 17 to 19, above.

In one or more examples, the difference between a depth of cavity 136and a length of shaft-adjustment pin 134 is sufficient to enablerotation of shaft 102 manually, using a protruding portion ofshaft-adjustment pin 134 as a lever arm. Using shaft-adjustment pin 134,a maintenance technician more easily rotates shaft 102, therebyadjusting an overall length of shaft 102 as well as the applied preload,without uninstalling mechanical link 100 from the associated mechanism.

Referring generally to FIG. 1, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2, 3,and 8, aircraft landing gear 300 is disclosed. Aircraft landing gear 300comprises mechanical link 100. Mechanical link 100 comprises shaft 102,having central axis 128 and comprising first end portion 104 that isthreaded in a first direction and second end portion 106, opposing firstend portion 104 along central axis 128 and threaded in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction. Mechanical link 100 furthercomprises first mounting interface 108, threadably coupled with firstend portion 104 of shaft 102. Mechanical link 100 also comprises secondmounting interface 110, threadably coupled with second end portion 106of shaft 102. Mechanical link 100 additionally comprises tubular sleeve114, circumscribing a portion of shaft 102 between first end portion 104and second end portion 106 and comprising slot 116. Mechanical link 100further comprises pin 112, extending from shaft 102 in a direction,perpendicular to central axis 128, such that pin 112 passes through slot116 of tubular sleeve 114. Mechanical link 100 also comprises stop 124,threadably coupled with second end portion 106 of shaft 102 and fixed toshaft 102 at a predetermined location along second end portion 106 ofshaft 102, such that stop 124 is not rotatable relative to shaft 102.Mechanical link 100 additionally comprises washer 126, circumscribing aportion of shaft 102 between tubular sleeve 114 and stop 124. Mechanicallink 100 further comprises spring 122, positioned between first mountinginterface 108 and tubular sleeve 114 and biasing tubular sleeve 114toward stop 124. Mechanical link 100 also comprises first jam nut 130,threadably coupled with first end portion 104 of shaft 102 and locatedbetween first mounting interface 108 and spring 122. Mechanical link 100additionally comprises second jam nut 132, threadably coupled withsecond end portion 106 of shaft 102 and located between second mountinginterface 110 and stop 124. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 21 of the present disclosure.

Use of mechanical link 100 as set forth above allows for preloadingaircraft landing gear 300 to a desired preload level, and forfacilitating simple periodic inspections of aircraft landing gear 300 toensure presence of the required preload remains as aircraft landing gear300 is subjected to continued use. Mechanical link 100 provides a purelymechanical system that allows aircraft landing gear 300 to be rigged toa pre-determined preload level without specialized electronic equipment.Mechanical link 100 allows a maintenance technician to easily checkaircraft landing gear 300 and quickly to determine if the proper preloadis being maintained in aircraft landing gear 300. Use of mechanical link100 as set forth above allows for simple periodic walk-up inspections todetermine if aircraft landing gear 300 has lost its preload. Use ofmechanical link 100 as set forth above allows for a simpler riggingprocedure of aircraft landing gear 300 that does not depend on animposed displacement to determine preload.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.2, 3, and 7, first mounting interface 108 comprises one of a receiver,opposing jaws, an eyelet, or a hook. Second mounting interface 110comprises one of a receiver, opposing jaws, an eyelet, or a hook. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 22 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 22 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 21, above.

First mounting interface 108 and second mounting interface 110 enableinstallation of mechanical link 100 within aircraft landing gear 300. Inone or more examples, first mounting interface 108 and second mountinginterface 110 have various configurations that are suitable for couplingmechanical link 100 to the various bodies of aircraft landing gear 300in which mechanical link 100 is installed. In one or more examples, theconfigurations of first mounting interface 108 and second mountinginterface 110 are the same. In other examples, they are different fromeach other.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2to 6, tubular sleeve 114 has a clearance fit with shaft 102 alongcentral axis 128. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 23 of the present disclosure, wherein example 23also includes the subject matter according to example 21 or 22, above.

Clearance fits of shaft 102 within tubular sleeve 114 allows for robustoperation of mechanical link 100 under in-fleet conditions, whereaircraft landing gear 300 is exposed to wide temperature variation,corrosion effects, dust contamination, and thermal or mechanicaldeformations. In one or more examples, central axis 128 is a centrallongitudinal axis of shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.2-4 and 6, slot 116 of tubular sleeve 114 is parallel to central axis128 of shaft 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 24 of the present disclosure, wherein example 24also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 21 to23, above.

In one or more examples, slot 116 is elongate in a direction, parallelto central axis 128. When slot 116 is parallel to central axis 128,relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102 produces acorresponding relative movement of pin 112 and slot 116. In one or moreexamples, slot 116 is positioned along tubular sleeve 114 commensurateto a desired preload stress for mechanical link 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2to 6, tubular sleeve 114 has radial axis 208, perpendicular to centralaxis 128 of shaft 102. Tubular sleeve 114 further comprises second slot200, opposing slot 116 along radial axis 208. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 25 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 25 also includes the subject matteraccording to any one of examples 21 to 24, above.

Slot 116 is elongate in a direction, parallel to central axis 128. Whenslot 116 is parallel to central axis 128, relative movement betweentubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102 produces a corresponding relativemovement of pin 112 and slot 116. In one or more examples, slot 116 ispositioned along tubular sleeve 114 commensurate to a desired preloadstress for mechanical link 100.

In one or more examples, tubular sleeve 114 comprises more than oneslot. Second slot 200 opposing slot 116 along radial axis 208 of tubularsleeve 114 enables a maintenance technician easily to check themechanism and quickly to determine if the proper preload is beingmaintained. second slot 200 opposing slot 116 enables an easy check ofthe mechanism regardless of an installed orientation of mechanical link100 that might otherwise obscure visual inspection of a single slot.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2to 5, pin 112 has pin axis 206, perpendicular to central axis 128 ofshaft 102. Pin 112 further comprises first end 202 that extends fromshaft 102 along pin axis 206, such that first end 202 of pin 112 passesthrough slot 116 of tubular sleeve 114. Pin 112 also comprises secondend 204, opposing first end 202 of pin 112 along pin axis 206 andextending from shaft 102 along pin axis 206, such that second end 204 ofpin 112 passes through second slot 200 of tubular sleeve 114. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 26 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 26 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 25, above.

Pin 112 could be configured in various ways. In one or more examples,pin 112 partially passes through shaft 102, with only one end extendingfrom the surface of shaft 102. Alternatively, pin 112 is configured tohave opposite ends, first end 202 and second end 204, protruding fromopposite sides of shaft 102.

In one or more examples, the interaction between pin 112, and slot 116limits relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102. Pin112 limits travel of tubular sleeve 114 toward stop 124 with pin 112contacts an edge of slot 116. Pin 112 limits travel of tubular sleeve114 away from stop 124. The relative range of motion between shaft 102and tubular sleeve 114 is therefore controlled by varying the length ofslot 116.

When the length of slot 116 changes, the applied preload that isnecessary to change the rotational state of washer 126 correspondinglychanges as well. In one or more examples, a larger length of slot 116requires a larger applied preload before pin 112 contacts an edge ofslot 116. Conversely, a smaller applied preload is required to contactpin 112 with an edge of slot 116 that has a smaller length. one or moreexamples, it is appreciated that different elongate sizes of slot 116define different preload tolerances for mechanical link 100

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.2, 3, 5, and 6, mechanical link 100 further comprises second pin 210that extends from shaft 102 in a second direction, such that second pin210 passes through second slot 200 of tubular sleeve 114. Pin 112extends from shaft 102 such that pin 112 passes through slot 116 oftubular sleeve 114. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 27 of the present disclosure, wherein example 27also includes the subject matter according to example 25, above.

The pins could be configured in various ways. In one or more examples,pin 112 and second pin 210 have a shared central axis. Pin 112 andsecond pin 210 are configured to partially pass through shaft 102, withonly one end of each of pin 112 and second pin 210 protruding fromopposite sides of shaft 102.

In one or more examples, slot 116 is elongate in a direction, parallelto central axis 128. When slot 116 is parallel to central axis 128,relative movement between tubular sleeve 114 and shaft 102 produces acorresponding relative movement of pin 112 and slot 116. In one or moreexamples, slot 116 is positioned along tubular sleeve 114 commensurateto a desired preload stress for mechanical link 100.

In one or more examples, second slot 200 opposing slot 116 along radialaxis 208 of tubular sleeve 114 enables a maintenance technician easilyto check the mechanism and quickly to determine if the proper preload isbeing maintained. second slot 200 opposing slot 116 enables an easycheck of the mechanism regardless of an installed orientation ofmechanical link 100 that might otherwise obscure visual inspection of asingle slot. preload.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 2,mechanical link 100 further comprises stop pin 138, fixedly couplingstop 124 to shaft 102 at the predetermined location along second endportion 106 of shaft 102, such that stop 124 is neither translatable norrotatable relative to shaft 102. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 28 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 28 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 21 to 27, above.

Stop pin 138 enables stop 124 to be fixedly coupled to shaft 102 at thepredetermined location. With stop 124 fixedly coupled to shaft 102, stop124 is maintained at the predetermined location along shaft 102,preventing inadvertent displacement of stop 124 during rigging andsubsequent operation.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 3,mechanical link 100 further comprises third jam nut 140, threadablycoupled with second end portion 106 of shaft 102 and located betweenstop 124 and second jam nut 132. Third jam nut 140 secures stop 124 toshaft 102 at the predetermined location along second end portion 106 ofshaft 102, such that stop 124 is not rotatable relative to shaft 102.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 29of the present disclosure, wherein example 29 also includes the subjectmatter according to any one of examples 21 to 27, above.

Third jam nut 140 enables stop 124 to be secured to shaft 102 at thepredetermined location. With stop 124 secured to shaft 102, stop 124 ismaintained at the predetermined location along shaft 102, preventinginadvertent displacement of stop 124 during rigging and subsequentoperation.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, spring 122 biases tubular sleeve 114 toward stop 124 with biasingforce F. A first friction force between tubular sleeve 114 and washer126 is equal to a product of a first coefficient of friction betweentubular sleeve 114 and washer 126 and biasing force F. A second frictionforce between stop 124 and washer 126 is equal to a product of a secondcoefficient of friction between stop 124 and washer 126 and biasingforce F. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 30 of the present disclosure, wherein example 30 also includesthe subject matter according to any one of examples 21 to 29, above.

Washer 126 is selectively configured between different rotational statescommensurate with an applied preload stress. Depending on the preloadstress in the mechanism and biasing force F, washer 126 will experiencedifferent types of fits between tubular sleeve 114 and stop 124, whenwasher 126 is rotated relative to shaft 102. In one or more examples,the applied preload stress relative to the desired preload stress formechanical link 100 is indicated by a rotational state of washer 126relative to shaft 102, dependent on biasing force F.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, the first friction force is different from the second frictionforce. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 31 of the present disclosure, wherein example 31 also includesthe subject matter according to example 30, above.

In one or more examples, the first friction force is different from thesecond friction force. One or more of tubular sleeve 114, washer 126,and stop 124 have different surface finishes. Alternatively, one or moreof tubular sleeve 114, washer 126, and stop 124 can be made from one ormore different materials.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, the first friction force is identical to the second frictionforce. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 32 of the present disclosure, wherein example 32 also includesthe subject matter according to example 30, above.

In one or more examples, the first friction force is identical to thesecond friction force. One or more of tubular sleeve 114, washer 126,and stop 124 can have identical or similar surface finishes.Alternatively, one or more of tubular sleeve 114, washer 126, and stop124 can be made from one or more identical or similar materials.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, shaft 102 further comprises cavity 136, perpendicular to centralaxis 128. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 33 of the present disclosure, wherein example 33 also includesthe subject matter according to any one of examples 21 to 32, above.

When shaft 102 further comprises cavity 136, a maintenance technician isbetter able to rotate shaft 102 relative to both first mountinginterface 108 and second mounting interface 110 during rigging, therebyadjusting an overall length of shaft 102 as well as the applied preload,without uninstalling mechanical link 100 from aircraft landing gear 300.In one or more examples, a tool, such as shaft-adjustment pin 134 isutilized as a lever arm in conjunction with cavity 136, enabling amaintenance technician to more easily rotate shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, cavity 136 is located in second end portion 106 of shaft 102. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 34 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 34 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 33, above.

When cavity 136 is located in second end portion 106 of shaft 102,spring 122 does not impede access to cavity 136 by a maintenancetechnician. The maintenance technician is better able to rotate shaft102 relative to both first mounting interface 108 and second mountinginterface 110 during rigging, thereby adjusting an overall length ofshaft 102 as well as the applied preload, without uninstallingmechanical link 100 from aircraft landing gear 300.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, cavity 136 is a blind cavity. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 35 of the present disclosure,wherein example 35 also includes the subject matter according to example33 or 34, above.

When cavity 136 is a blind cavity, a maintenance technician is betterable to rotate shaft 102 relative to both first mounting interface 108and second mounting interface 110 during rigging. In one or moreexamples, a tool, such as shaft-adjustment pin 134 is inserted into theblind cavity and utilized as a lever arm, enabling a maintenancetechnician to more easily rotate shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, cavity 136 is a through cavity. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 36 of the present disclosure,wherein example 36 also includes the subject matter according to example33 or 34, above.

When cavity 136 is a through cavity, a maintenance technician is betterable to rotate shaft 102 relative to both first mounting interface 108and second mounting interface 110 during rigging. In one or moreexamples, a tool, such as shaft-adjustment pin 134 is inserted throughthe through cavity and utilized as a lever arm, enabling a maintenancetechnician to more easily rotate shaft 102.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, mechanical link 100 further comprises shaft-adjustment pin 134,received within cavity 136. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 37 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 37 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 33 to 36, above.

Shaft-adjustment pin 134 enables easier rotation of shaft 102. Amaintenance technician inserts shaft-adjustment pin 134 into cavity 136.Shaft-adjustment pin 134 is thereafter used as a lever arm inconjunction with cavity 136, enabling the maintenance technician to moreeasily rotate shaft 102, thereby adjusting an overall length of shaft102 as well as the applied preload, without uninstalling mechanical link100 from aircraft landing gear 300.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, shaft-adjustment pin 134 is received within cavity 136 with aclearance fit. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 38 of the present disclosure, wherein example 38also includes the subject matter according to example 37, above.

Receiving shaft-adjustment pin 134 within cavity 136 with a clearancefit enables easier rotation of shaft 102. A maintenance technicianremovably inserts shaft-adjustment pin 134 into cavity 136.Shaft-adjustment pin 134 is thereafter used as a lever arm inconjunction with cavity 136, enabling the maintenance technician to moreeasily rotate shaft 102, thereby adjusting an overall length of shaft102 as well as the applied preload, without uninstalling mechanical link100 from aircraft landing gear 300.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, shaft-adjustment pin 134 is fixed within cavity 136. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 39 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 39 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 37, above.

Fixing shaft-adjustment pin 134 within cavity 136 enables easierrotation of shaft 102. Shaft-adjustment pin 134 is fixed within cavity136 in any manner suitable to hinder removal of shaft-adjustment pin134. In one or more examples, shaft-adjustment pin 134 is fixed withincavity 136 via an interference fit, welding, brazing, or threading, orany other suitable manner.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 8, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2and 3, cavity 136 has a depth and shaft-adjustment pin 134 has a lengththat is greater than the depth of cavity 136. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 40 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 40 also includes the subject matteraccording to any one of examples 37 to 39, above.

The difference between a depth of cavity 136 and a length ofshaft-adjustment pin 134 is sufficient to enable rotation of shaft 102manually, using a protruding portion of shaft-adjustment pin 134 as alever arm. Using shaft-adjustment pin 134, a maintenance technician moreeasily rotates shaft 102, thereby adjusting an overall length of shaft102 as well as the applied preload, without uninstalling mechanical link100 from aircraft landing gear 300.

Examples of the present disclosure may be described in the context ofaircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 as shown in FIG. 9 andaircraft 1102 as shown in FIG. 10. During pre-production, illustrativemethod 1100 may include specification and design (block 1104) ofaircraft 1102 and material procurement (block 1106). During production,component and subassembly manufacturing (block 1108) and systemintegration (block 1110) of aircraft 1102 may take place. Thereafter,aircraft 1102 may go through certification and delivery (block 1112) tobe placed in service (block 1114). While in service, aircraft 1102 maybe scheduled for routine maintenance and service (block 1116). Routinemaintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration,refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of aircraft 1102.

Each of the processes of illustrative method 1100 may be performed orcarried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator(e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a systemintegrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraftmanufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party mayinclude, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, andsuppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, militaryentity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 10, aircraft 1102 produced by illustrative method 1100may include airframe 1118 with a plurality of high-level systems 1120and interior 1122. Examples of high-level systems 1120 include one ormore of propulsion system 1124, electrical system 1126, hydraulic system1128, and environmental system 1130. Any number of other systems may beincluded. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principlesdisclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as theautomotive industry. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft 1102, theprinciples disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., landvehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc.

Apparatus(es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employedduring any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and servicemethod 1100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tocomponent and subassembly manufacturing (block 1108) may be fabricatedor manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassembliesproduced while aircraft 1102 is in service (block 1114). Also, one ormore examples of the apparatus(es), method(s), or combination thereofmay be utilized during production stages 1108 and 1110, for example, bysubstantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft1102. Similarly, one or more examples of the apparatus or methodrealizations, or a combination thereof, may be utilized, for example andwithout limitation, while aircraft 1102 is in service (block 1114)and/or during maintenance and service (block 1116).

Different examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed hereininclude a variety of components, features, and functionalities. Itshould be understood that the various examples of the apparatus(es) andmethod(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features,and functionalities of any of the other examples of the apparatus(es)and method(s) disclosed herein in any combination, and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Many modifications of examples set forth herein will come to mind to oneskilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not tobe limited to the specific examples illustrated and that modificationsand other examples are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and theassociated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in thecontext of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/orfunctions, it should be appreciated that different combinations ofelements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementationswithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,parenthetical reference numerals in the appended claims are presentedfor illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mechanical link, comprising: a shaft, having acentral axis and comprising a first end portion that is threaded in afirst direction and a second end portion, opposing the first end portionalong the central axis and threaded in a second direction, opposite thefirst direction; a first mounting interface, threadably coupled with thefirst end portion of the shaft; a second mounting interface, threadablycoupled with the second end portion of the shaft; a tubular sleeve,circumscribing a portion of the shaft between the first end portion andthe second end portion and comprising a slot; a pin, extending from theshaft in a direction, perpendicular to the central axis, such that thepin passes through the slot of the tubular sleeve; a stop, threadablycoupled with the second end portion of the shaft and fixed to the shaftat a predetermined location along the second end portion of the shaft,such that the stop is not rotatable relative to the shaft; a washer,circumscribing a portion of the shaft between the tubular sleeve and thestop; a spring, positioned between the first mounting interface and thetubular sleeve and biasing the tubular sleeve toward the stop; a firstjam nut, threadably coupled with the first end portion of the shaft andlocated between the first mounting interface and the spring; and asecond jam nut, threadably coupled with the second end portion of theshaft and located between the second mounting interface and the stop. 2.The mechanical link according to claim 1, wherein: the first mountinginterface comprises one of a receiver, opposing jaws, an eyelet, or ahook; and the second mounting interface comprises one of a receiver,opposing jaws, an eyelet, or a hook.
 3. The mechanical link according toclaim 1, wherein the tubular sleeve has a clearance fit with the shaftalong the central axis.
 4. The mechanical link according to claim 1,wherein the slot of the tubular sleeve is parallel to the central axisof the shaft.
 5. The mechanical link according to claim 1, wherein thetubular sleeve has a radial axis, perpendicular to the central axis ofthe shaft, and further comprises a second slot, opposing the slot alongthe radial axis.
 6. The mechanical link according to claim 5, wherein:the pin has a pin axis, perpendicular to the central axis of the shaft;and the pin comprises: a first end that extends from the shaft along thepin axis, such that the first end of the pin passes through the slot ofthe tubular sleeve; and a second end, opposing the first end of the pinalong the pin axis and extending from the shaft along the pin axis, suchthat the second end of the pin passes through the second slot of thetubular sleeve.
 7. The mechanical link according to claim 5, furthercomprising: a second pin that extends from the shaft such that thesecond pin passes through the second slot of the tubular sleeve; andwherein the pin extends from the shaft such that the pin passes throughthe slot of the tubular sleeve.
 8. The mechanical link according toclaim 1, further comprising a stop pin, fixedly coupling the stop to theshaft at the predetermined location along the second end portion of theshaft, such that the stop is neither translatable nor rotatable relativeto the shaft.
 9. The mechanical link according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a third jam nut, threadably coupled with the second endportion of the shaft and located between the stop and the second jamnut; and wherein the third jam nut secures the stop to the shaft at thepredetermined location along the second end portion of the shaft, suchthat the stop is neither translatable nor rotatable relative to theshaft.
 10. The mechanical link according to claim 1, wherein: the springbiases the tubular sleeve toward the stop with a biasing force F; afirst friction force between the tubular sleeve and the washer is equalto a product of a first coefficient of friction between the tubularsleeve and the washer and the biasing force F; and a second frictionforce between the stop and the washer is equal to a product of a secondcoefficient of friction between the stop and the washer and the biasingforce F.
 11. The mechanical link according to claim 10, wherein thefirst friction force is different from the second friction force. 12.The mechanical link according to claim 10, wherein the first frictionforce is identical to the second friction force.
 13. The mechanical linkaccording to claim 1, wherein the shaft further comprises a cavity,perpendicular to the central axis.
 14. The mechanical link according toclaim 13, wherein the cavity is located in the second end portion of theshaft.
 15. The mechanical link according to claim 13, wherein the cavityis a blind cavity.
 16. The mechanical link according to claim 13,wherein the cavity is a through cavity.
 17. The mechanical linkaccording to claim 13, further comprising a shaft-adjustment pin,configured to be received within the cavity.
 18. The mechanical linkaccording to claim 17, wherein the shaft-adjustment pin is configured tobe received within the cavity with a clearance fit.
 19. The mechanicallink according to claim 17, wherein the shaft-adjustment pin is fixedwithin the cavity.
 20. An aircraft landing gear, comprising a mechanicallink that comprises: a shaft, having a central axis and comprising afirst end portion that is threaded in a first direction and a second endportion, opposing the first end portion along the central axis andthreaded in a second direction, opposite the first direction; a firstmounting interface, threadably coupled with the first end portion of theshaft; a second mounting interface, threadably coupled with the secondend portion of the shaft; a tubular sleeve, circumscribing a portion ofthe shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion andcomprising a slot; a pin, extending from the shaft in a direction,perpendicular to the central axis, such that the pin passes through theslot of the tubular sleeve; a stop, threadably coupled with the secondend portion of the shaft and fixed to the shaft at a predeterminedlocation along the second end portion of the shaft, such that the stopis not rotatable relative to the shaft; a washer, circumscribing aportion of the shaft between the tubular sleeve and the stop; a spring,positioned between the first mounting interface and the tubular sleeveand biasing the tubular sleeve toward the stop; a first jam nut,threadably coupled with the first end portion of the shaft and locatedbetween the first mounting interface and the spring; and a second jamnut, threadably coupled with the second end portion of the shaft andlocated between the second mounting interface and the stop.